The absence of President Donald Trump and key members of his cabinet at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos this week probably won't matter all that much, analysts told CNBC, but it is an accurate reflection of global affairs over the last 12 months.

As head of Fiat Chrysler' Jeep and Ram brands, the 54-year-old Brit was considered the front-runner to replace CEO Sergio Marchionne. Then came the news last July that Marchionne had passed away following what had been billed as routine surgery.